In this episode of The Wrong Ones, we’re tackling the conversation couples fear more than sex: money. Because money isn’t just math—it’s meaning. It’s values, identity, childhood scripts, and sometimes the reason you’re arguing over oat milk instead of 401(k)s. From the “bakery vs. empire” mismatch to financial infidelity, we explore why money is intimacy at the highest level—and how aligning on it can make or break your future together.

We blend psychology, humor, and real-life stories to unpack why the way you spend, save, and dream says more about you than your words ever could.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why couples fear money talks more than sex talks—and what that reveals

• Symbolic self-completion theory: why spending is never just spending

• The “bakery vs. empire” dilemma and mismatched financial visions

• Petty money fights (candles, oat milk, Netflix) and the deeper values underneath

• Childhood money scripts and how they silently shape adult relationships

• The intimacy of financial transparency: from spending audits to monthly “money dates”

• Financial infidelity—what it looks like, why it hurts, and how to rebuild trust

• Wealth, gender, and shame: why women still shrink financially to feel loved

• Different money mindsets (scarcity, abundance, status, security, freedom) and how families shape them

• Practical strategies for building a shared financial culture and vision

Reflection Question of the Week: What money story did you inherit from your family—scarcity, abundance, status, security, or freedom—and how is it helping or hurting the life you’re trying to build now? What new story could you and your partner write together?

Resources Mentioned:

• Symbolic self-completion theory (consumer psychology)

• Money scripts research (Klontz et al.)

• Attachment theory and financial behavior (Bowlby; Hazan & Shaver)

• Cognitive biases: sunk cost fallacy, premature commitment bias

• Financial infidelity studies (relationship trust & betrayal)

• Gender and wealth psychology (identity threat & provision roles)

• Family-of-origin money patterns and intergenerational psychology

----- As always: if you’re enjoying the show, please take a moment to follow, rate, and subscribe — it truly helps us grow and reach more listeners.

Come say hi on Instagram @thewrongonespodcast

An Operation Podcast production